Probiotics!!! Lots of talk about them lately. Just what are they and why do we care? Let’s have a little talk of our own.
Probiotics literally mean “for life”. They are the bacteria in the lower intestine and colon that help keep us alive. Most of us in this country know about the bad bacteria like salmonella or E. coli that make us sick. Probiotics are the good bacteria. Some of the things that they are reported to alleviate are constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, excema, just to name a few. There’s much more but it would take more typing than I am willing to do, and too much space also. I’ll leave some references at the bottom.
Back in the early 1900’s, a man by the name of Weston Price, who was a dentist, decided that he wanted to examine people from around the world. He wanted to examine their health, their diet, their living conditions, etc. His focus was more on the quality of their teeth and their health. But what he discovered, and has since been confirmed by others, is that every traditional culture had some kind of fermented food in their diet. Most European cultures had some kind of fermented dairy. Asian cultures had some kind of fermented vegetable. You no doubt have heard of kimchi and yogurt and kefir, to name a few. Someone, way back, realized that eating a fermented food on a regular basis, helped a person’s body function and feel better. These people were extremely healthy with very good bone structure, teeth and longevity.
Somewhere after the Second World War or later, the scientists figured out what those bacteria were in these fermented foods and that they were exactly the same bacteria that reside in our intestines and we needed to have them in sufficient quantities to keep us healthy. However, also around that time, we (Americans) decided to homogenize, pasteurize, and sterilize our American diet. No fermented foods…unless you were of the “old school” and made your own sauerkraut or yogurt, hence no probiotics. We just did not know how important they really are.
Now, fast forward to the 21st century. I’m not sure how it started, could have been the baby boomers not wanting to grow old ungracefully or not wanting to die like their parent’s generation…that would be on pharmaceuticals and having one surgery after another. However the emphasis on probiotics got started, the driving force is now MONEY! The yogurt companies have found a cash cow and other companies want to get in on it. This is good for us because we now have so many options. It is also bad for us because this is not a well regulated industry and for now “let the buyer beware.”
In my readings, what we are seeing on the label of the container may have been correct at the time of manufacture, however, it may not be true at the time of purchase. If I understood it correctly, the bacteria may not be as active or alive as time goes on, so the count may be lower, a lot lower, or the manufacturing process may have killed some of them. Apparently, the labels can be very confusing and misleading. Also, the type of bacteria in the container may not be the type or in the ratio that a particular body needs. This means individual research will be the order of the day.
So now what does this all mean for us. I have read several times, and no I do not have documentation, but I’ve read it enough to think that this is generally accepted as true, that our colon is 50% to 70% of our immune system. Our immune system is one of our body’s main defenses against disease. It’s been said to be our internal physician, on call 24 hours a day! Keeping it healthy should be one of our main priorities. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet of processed food, fully cooked food, fast food, food with additives and so forth, is not really health promoting. Our diets need a makeover!!!.
In the European and Japanese cultures, apparently prevention is still the first step in fighting disease. Here, in the United States, we tend to fight disease after we get one. I understand that the grocery shelves in Europe and Japan are loaded with all sorts of foods (functional foods) that are loaded with probiotics. Here in the US, we tend to get our probiotics from a capsule. That is beginning to change. There are many foods being offered now besides yogurt with probiotics included. I understand that even Kashi has a cereal with probiotics. There is also some food bars and cheese being offered now with probiotics. The beverage, kefir, is now showing up on store shelves. I think in the next year or so we will have more options, which is good, because I don’t think most of us are going to start making our own homemade sauerkraut, or pickled vegetables, or homemade yogurt with just the right bacteria in it. For now, however, I think I'll just keep taking my probiotics in supplement form.
As a side story, most of you know that I’ve had a genetic test and it came back that I have a gene malfunction that does not allow me to metabolize B vitamins very well. I have suspected this for quite some time as many of my symptoms mimic B vitamin deficiency. So I have taken extra B vitamins in the past in the hope that I would be doing something good for my body. Nothing happened. However, I was not taking any probiotics at that time. Well, I have been taking probiotics for about 3 years now and I started taking extra B vitamins again about 4 months ago. Last night I was filing my nails and I realized that the fingernail that always split and peeled off (for the last 10 years or so) was now just as long and healthy as the other ones. Could it be that the probiotics have improved my “gut flora” enough to help metabolize some B vitamins? Just a thought.
This has been interesting research, if you can call it that, so much information and so pertinent to our health. I hope you’ll do some reading on your own. There is a lot to learn and I think I’ve only scratched the surface!!
Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
Readings:
Askew, Gloria, RRN and Paquette, Jerre, PHD, “Secrets of Supplements”, 2008 , Phyte Media Inc., Canada
What is Probiotic Food?, written by Stephanie Zonis, read both 2007 and 2008, www.thenibble.com/reviews/nutri/probioticfood.asp
Traditional Diets of thee World, written by Sally Fallon, www.westonaprice.org/traditional_diets/ancient_dietary_wisdom.html
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Do I Have To? Yes, You Have To!
Eat your vegetables, that is. OK, as promised, some writing on Alzheimer’s disease. There is so much research that I could have read and read and still not have any definitive article. But as you might guess, I was extremely interested in nutritional approaches. In fact I found an article that was just published today (8-21-08) that was about overall diet, more on that later.
The general consensus is that this is an inherited disease. At least a person's chances of getting the disease seems to be related to ancestors with the disease. Something that has this kind of gene transfer, seems to be ameliorated by earlier lifestyle and habits. So… eat healthy, get your rest, and avoid stress, yada, yada, yada. You know the drill. But it really is important and not just for Alzheimer’s. Hopefully, I can explain it clearly and make sense of it all.
So far there is no cure, but scientists are finding ways to lower risk and the progression of the disease. So, let’s break this down into 3 areas and then I’ll talk about the article that I referred to above.
First it’s the “Use it or lose it” approach. Scientists found after a 4 1/2 year study on 800 elderly participants that those who kept their brains active with mind stimulating activities were half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not. Doing crossword puzzles, reading, and playing cards are more than activities to pass the time. They keep the signals firing in your brain and improve the odds that your brain will work for you all the days of your life.(1)
Second there seems to be a connection between one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. It is suspected that homocysteine levels are culprits in both. The Framingham Heart Study found that as homocysteine levels increased, the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease almost doubled. So, we’re back to targeted nutrients and functional foods. Research has found that supplementation with folic acid can keep homocysteine levels in the blood from rising. Eating foods with folic acid or taking a food supplement with folic acid along with B6 and B12 may help to reduce the risk of developing either of these two diseases.(2)
Third…Nurtition. While nutrition alone will not prevent or cure Alzheimer’s it has been shown to delay onset and slow progression. Antioxidants and B vitamins, as discussed above, have shown some promise, especially vitamins C, B6, E, D, folic acid and minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Also omega 3 fatty acids (especially DHA from fish oil) flaxseed oil and the herb ginkgo biloba. The research suggests that food supplements can improve mental functioning and therefore the quality of life of older people.(3)
Now for that article I referred to. It’s titled “Einstein Researchers Get Rid of Damaged Proteins.” These researchers found that as a person ages their cells become less efficient at removing waste proteins from a person’s cells. In other words, our wastes become a logjam within our cells preventing optimal cellular functioning, hence ageing and disease. If they can find a way to prevent this decline in protein clearance, they may be able to keep people free of symptoms and healthy for a longer time. But meanwhile, they say, evidence is mounting that two dietary interventions---low-fat and calorie-restricted diets--help cells to maintain efficient protein clearance.(4)
There were other things that were stressed in my readings. A person should eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in saturated fats. An anti–inflammatory diet is highly recommended. That means no sugar, no refined foods, and all allergy producing foods eliminated from one’s diet. There’s more but you’ll need to look it up for yourself. Also, have regular exercise which keeps the blood flowing to the brain and all areas of the body. There was also a very strong recommendation to stay away from smoking and other tobacco products.
And of course, my favorite, take a quality multivitamin-multimineral supplement. The RDI for folic acid is 400mcgs per day. My assumption is that this is the amount to just barely prevent disease as are the other RDI’s. (My opinion) Optimal cellular nutrition needs more. Nutrilite’s Double X supplies 800mcgs. This, of course, is well researched as a safe and viable amount of folic acid for daily consumption. It is also documented that alcohol is an enemy of folic acid absorption.
Bottom line…To lessen chances of getting an inherited disease or lessen it’s severity or prolong onset of a disease… diet, supplements, and lifestyle will make a difference(STILL MY OPINION) I’m living proof. I am the picture of health. I just have a little Multiple Sclerosis. Diet and supplements have made a huge difference in my progression or lack of progression.
As Always, Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
References:
1. Wilson, RS, et al. Participation in Cognitively Stimulating Activities and Risk of incident Alzheimer Disease. JAMA 2002;287:742-748
2. Seshadri S, et al. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. N Engl J Med 2002. 346(7);476-83
3. Chandra, R K, Dr. Memorial University of Newfoundland, Wellness Letter, UC B
Berkley
4. Asa Andrew, “Empowering Your Health,” (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson,
2007)
The general consensus is that this is an inherited disease. At least a person's chances of getting the disease seems to be related to ancestors with the disease. Something that has this kind of gene transfer, seems to be ameliorated by earlier lifestyle and habits. So… eat healthy, get your rest, and avoid stress, yada, yada, yada. You know the drill. But it really is important and not just for Alzheimer’s. Hopefully, I can explain it clearly and make sense of it all.
So far there is no cure, but scientists are finding ways to lower risk and the progression of the disease. So, let’s break this down into 3 areas and then I’ll talk about the article that I referred to above.
First it’s the “Use it or lose it” approach. Scientists found after a 4 1/2 year study on 800 elderly participants that those who kept their brains active with mind stimulating activities were half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not. Doing crossword puzzles, reading, and playing cards are more than activities to pass the time. They keep the signals firing in your brain and improve the odds that your brain will work for you all the days of your life.(1)
Second there seems to be a connection between one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. It is suspected that homocysteine levels are culprits in both. The Framingham Heart Study found that as homocysteine levels increased, the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease almost doubled. So, we’re back to targeted nutrients and functional foods. Research has found that supplementation with folic acid can keep homocysteine levels in the blood from rising. Eating foods with folic acid or taking a food supplement with folic acid along with B6 and B12 may help to reduce the risk of developing either of these two diseases.(2)
Third…Nurtition. While nutrition alone will not prevent or cure Alzheimer’s it has been shown to delay onset and slow progression. Antioxidants and B vitamins, as discussed above, have shown some promise, especially vitamins C, B6, E, D, folic acid and minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Also omega 3 fatty acids (especially DHA from fish oil) flaxseed oil and the herb ginkgo biloba. The research suggests that food supplements can improve mental functioning and therefore the quality of life of older people.(3)
Now for that article I referred to. It’s titled “Einstein Researchers Get Rid of Damaged Proteins.” These researchers found that as a person ages their cells become less efficient at removing waste proteins from a person’s cells. In other words, our wastes become a logjam within our cells preventing optimal cellular functioning, hence ageing and disease. If they can find a way to prevent this decline in protein clearance, they may be able to keep people free of symptoms and healthy for a longer time. But meanwhile, they say, evidence is mounting that two dietary interventions---low-fat and calorie-restricted diets--help cells to maintain efficient protein clearance.(4)
There were other things that were stressed in my readings. A person should eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in saturated fats. An anti–inflammatory diet is highly recommended. That means no sugar, no refined foods, and all allergy producing foods eliminated from one’s diet. There’s more but you’ll need to look it up for yourself. Also, have regular exercise which keeps the blood flowing to the brain and all areas of the body. There was also a very strong recommendation to stay away from smoking and other tobacco products.
And of course, my favorite, take a quality multivitamin-multimineral supplement. The RDI for folic acid is 400mcgs per day. My assumption is that this is the amount to just barely prevent disease as are the other RDI’s. (My opinion) Optimal cellular nutrition needs more. Nutrilite’s Double X supplies 800mcgs. This, of course, is well researched as a safe and viable amount of folic acid for daily consumption. It is also documented that alcohol is an enemy of folic acid absorption.
Bottom line…To lessen chances of getting an inherited disease or lessen it’s severity or prolong onset of a disease… diet, supplements, and lifestyle will make a difference(STILL MY OPINION) I’m living proof. I am the picture of health. I just have a little Multiple Sclerosis. Diet and supplements have made a huge difference in my progression or lack of progression.
As Always, Healthy Days to You, Your Smiling Maven
References:
1. Wilson, RS, et al. Participation in Cognitively Stimulating Activities and Risk of incident Alzheimer Disease. JAMA 2002;287:742-748
2. Seshadri S, et al. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. N Engl J Med 2002. 346(7);476-83
3. Chandra, R K, Dr. Memorial University of Newfoundland, Wellness Letter, UC B
Berkley
4. Asa Andrew, “Empowering Your Health,” (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson,
2007)
Monday, August 18, 2008
FUN and more to come!
Today I had FUN!! Putting a piece of a plant in soil and having it sprout roots for me is just so marvelous! I just love starting new plants. I didn’t take any cuttings last fall. Must have been hot or something, because I didn’t start any cuttings. No motivation. Normally, I don’t need any motivation to take cuttings. But today it was nice and cloudy and the weather report is calling for rain and clouds for a week or so. Yippee! Just the right conditions for cuttings. The greenhouse won’t get too hot while they are trying to sprout roots. So here's the story, two years ago a geranium sprouted under the greenhouse bench. I just left it there. I was curious to see what color it would be and I had never had one sprout from seed before. Well, it didn’t bloom last summer, so I left it to grow some more. Well, it really grew this spring and it started blooming in June. It is a beautiful, large, coral bloom. I have never had one anything like it. I can only assume that this is a cross between two or more other geraniums that have been in my greenhouse, always reds and pinks. Wow! A whole new geranium!! I can hardly wait for these little gems to root. I left the plant in the soil so that if these guys don’t root, I’ll have another chance another time.
Everyone’s happiness can come in many different packages. This simple act of taking cuttings and watching them grow, for me is FUN!!!
I’ll keep you posted on their progress.
Healthy Days To You, Your Smiling Maven
Everyone’s happiness can come in many different packages. This simple act of taking cuttings and watching them grow, for me is FUN!!!
I’ll keep you posted on their progress.
Healthy Days To You, Your Smiling Maven
Saturday, August 9, 2008
What's That Noise?
Living with me is not easy. It wasn’t when I was not disabled and it is even more of a challenge now, just the nature of the beast. This personality has to be worked on daily. I’m sorry to say it is something that I haven’t conquered, yet. However, I did manage to marry a very nice man who has been willing to take on the project of “rounding off the corners”. Plus, he has never considered “bailing” on me since, or before, I was diagnosed with MS. The statistics are something like 80% of husbands are gone when the spouse is diagnosed with a chronic disease. So, even though I get irritated at my disabilities, like crushing fatigue, constant pain, brain fog, lack of balance, etc., it can’t be any fun for him either.
Like when I fall. For most of my major falls he has been there. He gets so scared. The first thing he wants to do is get me up. It’s almost like if he gets me up immediately, then he can wipe out what just happened. But, I have to just stay down and get all of the molecules lined up again. The first thing I say is “I’m OK.” When I’ve had a chance to breathe a few deep breaths and start to feel like I can move, then I’m happy to have his help. Today he was gone when I fell. The first thing that I thought of was “I’m glad he’s not here.” I knew that I was alright, even though I hurt like crazy! I sat for awhile, and then very gingerly got up on the chair. OK…so far, so good. Thank God for all that Vitamin D I’ve been taking, no broken bones?.
When he got home, he could tell something was amiss with me. “What happened?” I told him and showed him my latest scrapes and bruising. He said that he was glad that he wasn’t here as he probably would have broken his neck running in from the garage when he heard the noise of me falling. We laughed and laughed…what else is a person to do? Laughter really is the best medicine. So sitting, which I do most of the time, is now very uncomfortable. Nertz!! I had just gotten rid of the last bruise that bothered my sitting. Oh Well…life will go on and I will keep smiling!
Time to watch the Olympics.
Healthy Days To You, Your Smiling Maven
Like when I fall. For most of my major falls he has been there. He gets so scared. The first thing he wants to do is get me up. It’s almost like if he gets me up immediately, then he can wipe out what just happened. But, I have to just stay down and get all of the molecules lined up again. The first thing I say is “I’m OK.” When I’ve had a chance to breathe a few deep breaths and start to feel like I can move, then I’m happy to have his help. Today he was gone when I fell. The first thing that I thought of was “I’m glad he’s not here.” I knew that I was alright, even though I hurt like crazy! I sat for awhile, and then very gingerly got up on the chair. OK…so far, so good. Thank God for all that Vitamin D I’ve been taking, no broken bones?.
When he got home, he could tell something was amiss with me. “What happened?” I told him and showed him my latest scrapes and bruising. He said that he was glad that he wasn’t here as he probably would have broken his neck running in from the garage when he heard the noise of me falling. We laughed and laughed…what else is a person to do? Laughter really is the best medicine. So sitting, which I do most of the time, is now very uncomfortable. Nertz!! I had just gotten rid of the last bruise that bothered my sitting. Oh Well…life will go on and I will keep smiling!
Time to watch the Olympics.
Healthy Days To You, Your Smiling Maven
Friday, August 8, 2008
Simple Pleasures
I was reminded again today of one of life’s simple pleasures. I’m sure we all have things that we consider a simple pleasure. It might be listening to music, eating a favorite food, reading a good book in your favorite chair, having time to enjoy a sunset, etc. You get my drift. Life is full of them when we allow ourselves time for reflection. Today it was hearing my daughter’s laughter. My guess is her joy is not genetic, but more environment. For this I thank her husband. He is such a terrific guy, great father, great husband, wonderful son. What’s that commercial? Several things are named and priced and then one thing is Priceless! Well, my daughter’s laughter is “Priceless” to me. Simple pleasures feed our souls. Mine had a feast today.
Healthy Days to You, Your Maven
Healthy Days to You, Your Maven
Sunday, August 3, 2008
New Glasses and MORE!
All I wanted was a new pair of glasses. New prescription…New glasses. Modern little rectangle ones. Cute and up to date! Simple, HUH? Well, that’s what I had planned. That’s not what happened!
Husband and I both needed new glasses, so Sat. morn off we went. I was examined first. Optometrist started saying, “Hmmm, well, we’ll come back to that one.” “Hmmm, having any headaches? Any flashing lights? Any eye pain?” No, No, and No. “Hmmm, let me take a look at this one again. Hmmm.” Well, the upshot of it all is that I have been diagnosed with corneal endothelial dystrophy. Apparently, it is an inherited chronic condition. Yippee! Don’t we just love those less than perfect genes?!! The articles, that I can find online, confirm what the Dr. said. Watch it closely and come back immediately if there are any changes. Then we’ll go from there. It could go from minor blurring to severe pain and blindness. From what I can read, there are new surgeries involving lasers and corneal transplants and contact lenses, etc. Hopefully, by the time I need something done, there will be a lot of new options available.
Where are those nutrigenomics when you need them? Only found one article about nutrition. Thankfully, I changed my diet a few years back, so all I need to do is “tweak” it a bit. An anti-inflamatory diet is good for both of us. We’ll continue with all natural supplements and striving toward optimal cellular nutrition. And I’ll keep looking for any bio-active foods or supplements that could target corneal cells. This gene mutation occurs in chromosome #5. Is it too late to give it back?
The hereditary part is fairly interesting. The mutant gene is called autosomal dominant. When it is passed, the offspring has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. There’s quite a lot of info on how the different genes are passed on and the statistics of it all. I don’t need to understand all of it. The bit that I did understand was interesting.
So, then it was time to order my new glasses. I had picked out some new cute ones. I sat down with the technician and he started in with the hemming and hawing and making faces. Is tisk, tisking at me all these guys do? It seems as though there is not enough space for bifocals in this new narrow shape. Well, there is, but for people with balance and depth perception problems, it would probably be too dangerous. He really didn’t want that situation on his shoulders and I didn’t want any assistance in the falling department. So he spent some time finding some frames for me that are sort of rectangular. They just aren’t as cute. Oh Well….They will be just fine.
So, apparently I have new challenges in my life. With my faith, family and friends, all will be well. Mom taught me to smile. I can do that!!
Healthy Days to you, Your Smiling Maven
P.S. Even this Dr. asked if I'd had my Vitamin D level checked. He had been deficient on his test and his Dr. had put him on 10,000 IU per day. Now that he is within theraputic range, he's on 5,000 IU per day maintenance. Hmmm? Maybe I will have to re-evaluate my dosage.
Husband and I both needed new glasses, so Sat. morn off we went. I was examined first. Optometrist started saying, “Hmmm, well, we’ll come back to that one.” “Hmmm, having any headaches? Any flashing lights? Any eye pain?” No, No, and No. “Hmmm, let me take a look at this one again. Hmmm.” Well, the upshot of it all is that I have been diagnosed with corneal endothelial dystrophy. Apparently, it is an inherited chronic condition. Yippee! Don’t we just love those less than perfect genes?!! The articles, that I can find online, confirm what the Dr. said. Watch it closely and come back immediately if there are any changes. Then we’ll go from there. It could go from minor blurring to severe pain and blindness. From what I can read, there are new surgeries involving lasers and corneal transplants and contact lenses, etc. Hopefully, by the time I need something done, there will be a lot of new options available.
Where are those nutrigenomics when you need them? Only found one article about nutrition. Thankfully, I changed my diet a few years back, so all I need to do is “tweak” it a bit. An anti-inflamatory diet is good for both of us. We’ll continue with all natural supplements and striving toward optimal cellular nutrition. And I’ll keep looking for any bio-active foods or supplements that could target corneal cells. This gene mutation occurs in chromosome #5. Is it too late to give it back?
The hereditary part is fairly interesting. The mutant gene is called autosomal dominant. When it is passed, the offspring has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. There’s quite a lot of info on how the different genes are passed on and the statistics of it all. I don’t need to understand all of it. The bit that I did understand was interesting.
So, then it was time to order my new glasses. I had picked out some new cute ones. I sat down with the technician and he started in with the hemming and hawing and making faces. Is tisk, tisking at me all these guys do? It seems as though there is not enough space for bifocals in this new narrow shape. Well, there is, but for people with balance and depth perception problems, it would probably be too dangerous. He really didn’t want that situation on his shoulders and I didn’t want any assistance in the falling department. So he spent some time finding some frames for me that are sort of rectangular. They just aren’t as cute. Oh Well….They will be just fine.
So, apparently I have new challenges in my life. With my faith, family and friends, all will be well. Mom taught me to smile. I can do that!!
Healthy Days to you, Your Smiling Maven
P.S. Even this Dr. asked if I'd had my Vitamin D level checked. He had been deficient on his test and his Dr. had put him on 10,000 IU per day. Now that he is within theraputic range, he's on 5,000 IU per day maintenance. Hmmm? Maybe I will have to re-evaluate my dosage.
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